It eats the leaves. Bright green leaves line its flaring branches in spring and summer. Cooperative Extension Center, Entomology Insect Biology and Management, NC These galls do not put our beautiful witch hazels at risk, and therefore we do not interfere with the aphids life cycles. The horizontal branching is appealing to several low-nesting bird species, including Wood Thrushes and Flycatchers. No real lasting harm will be done by these galls. Photo:Lorraine Graney, Bartlett Tree Experts, Bugwood.org At a quick glance it might be mistaken for a fruit capsule, until you notice the spines. The latter gall, referred to as the Spiny Witch Hazel Gall, Probably not for clay soils. A mother aphid laid her eggs on the leaf tissue in April and the leaf produced a gall to protect the babies. Hemorrhoids. 1980. The Americans would never even consider using our language or spelling Besides, Im getting more anal as I get older, lol. Witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), still blooming in spite of the snow. 1992. the elusively fragrant, pale yellow blossoms of the witch-hazel need hardly be expected till well on in September, when its leaves have fluttered earthward and its fruit has ripened. The aphid reproduces within the gall and the gall provides a food source for the young. Find more information at the following NC State Extension websites: Publication date: Jan. 6, 2017 Lawns are closed on Parade Days. Still others believe its name comes from the shape of a gall that's sometimes found on the leaf, caused by an aphid, that looks like a witch's hat. Relieves Inflammation. var year = today.getFullYear() Saddled prominent is a green to brown or yellow caterpillar with a reddish brown spot on its back. S-225 Agricultural Science Center North, Lexington, KY 40546-0091 | 859.257.7450 Witch-hazel cone gall aphids (the Hormaphis hamamelidis sp. document.write(year) (A gall is a growth that is the plants reaction to being used as a source of food and shelter by an organism such as an insect, fungus or bacteria. However, under cultivation in full or partial sun they develop a fuller, rounded crown. There are also two aphid species that produce eye-catching galls. I have a natural tree in the outskirts of my yard that I am planning on highlighting in my yard because of its gorgeous bonsai like structure. Along salty shorelines seaside goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens) flames gold, its robust architectural stems resilient and defiant among tawny grasses that have long since performed their flowering duties. Considered a large shrub or small tree, it pairs well with an underplanting of low-growing perennials like woodland ephemerals or other shade-tolerant wildflowers such as wild ginger, green-and-gold, and wild blue phlox. Madison Square Park Conservancy is the not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization licensed by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation to manage Madison Square Park. This plant has begun to bloom, though the flowers are somewhat obscured by the autumn foliage. Is it the almost magical medicinal qualities this plant possesses or the sorcerer-like ability to find water below the grounds surface? These winged aphids fly back to witch-hazel and give birth to a generation of wingless females and males that . Fertilization is protracted and is incomplete until spring, analogous to delayed implantation of fertilized ova in some mammals. ( MBP list) Witch Hazel Cone Gall Aphid in Washington Co., Maryland (5/27/2017). 1951. Read our Garden Uses: Common witchhazel extends the gardens flowering season and provides resources to late-season pollinators. I think the galls resemble a stereotypical witch's hat (see the image below). The fall color is yellow and often is at its peak when the flowers are out. We discuss it's curious history and seemingly magical qualities. If the gall were open and the aphids were available, the ants would likely be milking them for delicious honeydew (excrement). Store in a spray bottle in a cool place. The insect associations of witch-hazel seem somewhat unchronicled, especially its pollinators. Any combination of thesepredators and parasitescan give sufficient control without having to spray with an insecticide. Blooms and autumn foliage on common witchhazel. Photo by Ashley Bradford. The chemicals cause the affected plant cells to swell. The tannins are not 100% successful in deterring herbivores. Wildlife: The seeds disperse many yards away from the plant by explosively popping out of their drying capsules, so support ground-foraging birds such as Ruffed Grouse in Western Maryland and Northern Bobwhite and Wild Turkey state-wide. Chemicals produced by the egg-laying and feeding activities cause most insect and mite galls. Each flower has four long, spidery, streamer-like petals. Female witch hazel aphids crawl onto the witch hazel leaves as they grow and inject them with a substance that causes the cone galls to form around them. River birch sheds most of its damaged leaves, and soon grows new leaves so no lasting harm is done to infested trees. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. The growth and reproduction of the aphids is rapid, and the birch leaves soon develop characteristic corrugations or pleats. Ladies tresses (Spiranthes cernua), a September-blooming orchid startles, its short white spires conjured out of the rich colors of an old blueberry field. state-wide. . The corrugations on the undersides of the leaves fill with aphids and a white granular material. Witchhazel leaf gall aphids cause conical galls on the leaves of witchhazel. This next generation, which looks like Whiteflies on birch, matures and sends one final generation back to witch-hazel to produce the . If damage is heavy or the tree is young, spray with horticulture oil. This activity takes place before the end of June. Problems Gall aphids, leaf rollers, scale insects, powdery mildew, or leaf spots may occur Genus: Hamamelis Plant Height: 10 to 15 feet; Plant Width: 10 to 15 feet; Zones: 5, 6 . There is a witch-hazel leafroller (Cacoccia roseaceana) and a witch-hazel leaf folder (Episimus argutanus). powdery mildew, occasional leaf spots, and rots. Bruises and minor burns. For assistance with a specific problem, contact your local N.C. The flowers are arranged in clusters, usually in threes. Witch hazel is a very hardy plant. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs of Eastern and Central North America. Learn more about park hours and rules by visiting our FAQ page. N.C. Be sure to obtain current information about usage regulations and examine a current product label before applying any chemical. Witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) flower beginning to bloom. Forest and Thicket. Asher Jones. Common witchhazel in full bloom in November, illustrating the typical growth habit for plants grown in a mostly-sunny exposure. Its interesting that there are so many ants swarming this gall. Lawns are open daily for public use starting at 10 AM through 5 PM, weather permitting. Other things that I love about Witch Hazel are the names of the insects which it hosts they are very straightforward. Use lemon eucalyptus to make an effective natural bug spray - in a spray bottle mix 2 ounces witch hazel and 2 ounces distilled water with 40-50 drops essential oil (or 20-25 drops for kids 3-9). commitment to diversity. Adding winter interest to the garden, Hamamelis vernalis (Ozark Witch Hazel) is a large, dense, deciduous shrub or small tree of upright to rounded habit. Witch Hazel Gall Aphid in puceron galle pineuse du bouleau in puceron galle pineuse du bouleau in witch hazel gall aphid in witch hazel gall aphid in Spiny Witch-Hazel Gall Aphid in Bibliographic References. It is usually abundantly branched and rather bushy in appearance. Good luck with your gardening efforts! Another thought perhaps Witch-hazel has secreted a resin the ants can use. It also helps reduce the chances of infection. Blackman & Eastop list 3 species of aphid as feeding on common witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) worldwide, and provide formal identification keys (Show World list). Witch-hazel is used to treat wounds and hemorrhoids, and its an ingredient in some cosmetics. Witch-hazels also host gall aphids including the picturesque spiny witch-hazel budgall aphid (Hamamalistes spinosus) on its twigs. Varicose veins. Im glad you enjoy my articles, and its great to hear you grow so many natives! New York: Charles Scribners Sons. Seeds will pop in the bag for the next couple of days as they are expelled from the capsules. Which witch hazel should be in your yard? It is sometimes called the river birch aphid because it is most often noticed on river birch on which it causes bumpy ridges on the leaves. Now that you have started to look more closely at Witch Hazel, you may notice hundreds of leaves have been rolled up into tiny cigar-shaped tubes. Once the galls have formed on leaves, it is too late for treatment. Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana, Hamamelidaceae) is our kinky, golden-star flower shrub or small tree that blooms in cold weather when all other flowers are absent from the landscape. Since the seeds explode from the pods, gather them before the capsules open. few cultivars exist for common witchhazel, and most witchhazel cultivars encountered at nurseries will be hybrids of Chinese (, when plants are successfully grown in a mostly-sunny exposure, branching may be denser and more upright, The seeds disperse many yards away from the plant by explosively popping out of their drying capsules, so support ground-foraging birds such as. The spiny witch-hazel bud gall aphid (Hamamelistes spinosus) is named for the appearance of the gall the plant produces from bud tissue in response to being used as a home by the developing aphids. Spray with a horticultural oil at the dormant rate before bud break in March, or use the summer rate in early April, or July-August. Published in 1893, How to Know the Wild Flowers has been called the first field guide to North American plants. Even during and after our first snowstorm of the season with about 5 inches of wet snow, these tough little flowers hung on, looking as fresh as ever. i forget about this native beauty during the summer season. Horned gall aphid (Hormaphis hamamelidis) is a rather ugly blemish attacking the leaves and stems of the Witch Hazel. Photo by Bill Harms. The tannins found in the leaves and inner bark of Witch-hazel provide these benefits. Read our Several genera of fungi are listed as causing leaf spot on Witch-Hazel but they will not require control. A moth sheltering on Witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) during a December snow storm. Whats the attraction? The gall is green at first, then turns bright red. These winged aphids fly back to witchhazel and give birth to a generation of wingless females and males that mature and lay the overwintering eggs. Try an Alcohol Spray for Pest Control. The tomatoes we harvest at summers end represent the plants reproductive determinism since they contain seeds of another generation (some viable, some not). Lawns are open daily for public use starting at 10 AM through 5 PM, weather permitting. Sprinkle Some Diatomaceous Earth. The gall induced on witch-hazel is cone-shaped, leading to another common name being the Witch-hazel cone gall aphid. Introduce Natural Predators. People . At this time of year there is a species of aphid, Hormaphis hamamelidis, that is laying eggs on Witch-hazel branches. You may have noticed while walking through the park that our witch hazel collection has some interesting growths on its leaves. Pingback: Christmas Snow Exploring Colour. Female witch hazel aphids crawl onto the witch hazel leaves as they grow and inject them with a substance that causes the cone galls to form around them. This gall, rich in nutrients, provides both food and shelter for the female aphid. As this seasons flowers began to bloom, the fruit capsules opened explosively, ejecting the seeds several feet away. The leafroller folds the leaf from tip to base; the leaf folder works from side to side: two kinds of foliar origami. 1895. Removing the nest by tearing out the web and crushing the contents or pruning out the infested branch will control the infestation. Burns, including sunburn. woolly apple aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum) woolly beech aphid (Phyllaphis fagi) yellow clover aphid; yellow sugarcane aphid; aphid midge; witch-hazel cone gall aphid The anthers have not yet open to release pollen. I grow most of what you talk about and love learning more about them. Its well into December, and American Witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is still in bloom, brightening our winter shade garden and the woodland understory. Witch-hazels are vase-shaped with emphatic branches reaching up and out to embrace sunlight in the partially shaded habitats and woods margins the prefer. Seed capsules may also be eaten by small mammals. or as immature females beneath the birch bark feed on the sap of newly expanding river birch leaves. tb1234. (LogOut/ For permission to use articles or photographs, Contact Me. While the evidence of the Witch Hazel Leaf Roller Moth is quite prevalent, more so when spring is dry like it is this year, I cant say that I have ever spied the adult moth (at one centimeter long) myself. Potential problems: Caterpillars, Japanese beetles, leaf gall aphids, weevils, scale, leafroller, leafminer. In the late summer, another generation flies back to the witch hazel and the cycle begins again. Last modified Of those aphid species, Baker (2015) lists 15 as occurring in Britain (Show British . Flowers can persist for weeks, even several months, furling in the cold at night and unfurling with even a little sunny encouragement. A conical leaf gall opened to show the witchhazel leaf gall aphids inside. N.C. TheWitch Hazel Cone Gall Aphid (Hormaphis hamamelidis) creates cone-shaped galls on witch hazel foliage, and similarly may use birch as an alternate host. Their forms, as well as anomalous flowering-time, were much admired by the English gardeners who received specimens from John Bartram in the 1730s. Botanica North America. The aphids become active . If using a bucket, use a washcloth to wipe down the buds, stems, and leaves of each infested plant. Potential diseases include powdery . As the seeds within ripen, the chambering membranes contract to send the capsules contents shooting out some distance from the parent shrub. Martin, Alexander C.; Zim, Herbert S.; Nelson, Arnold L. American Wildlife & Plants A Guide to Wildlife Food Habits. Both of these aphids spend part of their life cycle on birch trees. Seeds require alternating warmth and cold to germinate. It was about 1/2in thick, uniform in thickness. If a plant appears unhealthy, search for additional causes such as cultural problems or diseases. Spray trees with horticultural oil at the dormant rate in late spring just as new growth begins. The leaves of witch hazel often bear galls in the shape of a cone, caused by the aptly named witch hazel cone gall aphid (Hormaphis hamamelidis). Natural enemies usually control this insect; hand picking and destroying infested leaves will also be helpful. Now carefully add each of the essential oil into the container, screw on the cap and shake until it is mixed thoroughly. Insects, mites, bacteria, fungi, or nematodes may cause them. The caterpillars raise both heads and tails when agitated, and do look menacing as an aggregate. Nineteenth and early twentieth-century botanists were often partisans, unafraid to express their biases toward or against the plants they described. Cleanse Oily Skin. commitment to diversity. Witch-Hazel leaf gall aphid causes galls 1/2-inch-long. Medical Herbalism. Although there is no accepted common name for Hamamelistes spinosus, it could be called the spiny witch-hazel gall aphid or woolly birch aphid for its appearance on the hosts that it attacks.. On birch, this insect overwinters on the bark as a hibernating female, sometimes called a "pupa." An aphid crawls into a leaf bud and secretes an enzyme. Emerging young foliage may be reddish-bronze. willow aphid (Pterochlorus salignus) witch hazel cone gall aphid (Hormaphis hamamelidis) woolly alder aphid; woolly aphid (Eriosomatinae spp.) Blackman. The Chinese witch hazel ( H. mollis) is a garden standout, noted for its larger yellow flowers and stronger fragrance. Thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures and so much information. Removing the lower branches helps produce a more tree-form multistemmed specimen but regular minor pruning will be required to maintain it in this form since the plant suckers freely from the base of the trunk. One definite leaf eater is the witch-hazel leaf gall aphid (Hormaphis hamamelidis). Their feeding causes the leaves to become distorted. , p.63. Coverage of the lower surfaces of the leaves is critical, as the insects are fairly protected in the corrugated folds of the leaves. Witch hazel naturally contains between 8% and 12% skin-constricting tannins, depending . Is it possible that one shrub can act as a "sink" for the aphid infestation, or is it more likely that the next generations will spread to the other witch hazels, this season . I thought it was a post originating up here. Moments after her April birth, the aphid creeps along the smooth witch hazel leaf until she finds a suitable intersection of veins. Its a mystery to me what caused the ants in this photo to visit. Fortunately for us, humans can also benefit. This publication printed on: March 01, 2023, American Witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana L.), Extension Plant Pathology Publications and Factsheets, North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual, your local N.C. Woolly Birch Aphid; June 22, 2005: Woolly aphids are being found on river birch in northern Illinois. Aphids are phloem feeding insects and are vectors of a diversity of plant viruses (Ng and Perry, 2004;Wang et al., 2006; Vilcinskas, 2016). This toxin acts as a warning to other aphids, causing them to fly away. Sometimes these little puzzles take years to solve! "Witch hazel is an astringent with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties so it can effectively be used as a cleanser," explains Engelman. Studying and re-reading older wildflower books and field guides is instructive and sometimes highly entertaining. gp.) North Yarmouth, Maine 04097 . Each tiny caterpillar has made a home for itself, rolling a leaf which is many times its size. It tends to flower later than the vernal species, typically in February-March for Zone 7 of Upstate South Carolina. induce conical galls on witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana).Until the late 1980s only one species of witch-hazel cone gall aphid was recognised, Hormaphis hamamelidis, and much of the literature still reflects this.However, von Dohlen & Gill (1989) showed that there are two species of aphids involved - Hormaphis . Revised: Mary Kay Malinoski, University of Maryland Extension Specialist, Home andGarden Information Center (retired), University of Maryland Extension on Facebook, University of Maryland Extension on Instagram, University of Maryland Extension on Twitter, University of Maryland Extension on Youtube, 2018-2023 College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect, instructions for how to enable JavaScript in your web browser. Introduce beneficial bugs, like lacewings and ladybugs, to your garden as a natural way to kill aphids. Soak seeds in water overnight, plant outside in pots or a nursery bed, and wait until the second spring for germination. Unlike most flowering plants, witch hazel requires cold temperatures to produce its eye-catching yellow blooms. However, these aphids have evolved over a long period of time with the witch hazel, and have found a way to live in mutual harmony. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. She was not one of the Little-ists, Samuel Taylor Coleridges disparagement for those who simply collected and categorized- Here is part of Mrs. Danas entry for witch-hazel: . Cooperative Extension county center. trees. The flowers look very pretty with the snow on them, and interesting info as well. The book was widely and unexpectedly popular, selling out its first edition in only five days. The seeds take months to develop. They alternate between witch-hazel (Hamamelis spp.) Hamamelis virginiana seed can be collected, in October, around the same time that flowers begin blooming. University of Kentucky Department of Entomology Common witchhazel in a garden setting exposed to some direct sun, illustrating the more upright growth habit. (Eratoneura marra), the Witch Hazel Spiny Gall Aphid (Hamamelistes spinosus), the Witch Hazel Cone Gall Aphid (Hormaphis hamamelidis . Seeing how it is a Canadian blog..seems proper that Canadian is used. Take a plastic garden spray dispenser and pour the witch hazel into it. Even though Witch-hazel blooms when the weather is cooler, it relies primarily on insects for pollination. Galls seldom cause any harm to the plant, and they may stimulate the plant to produce more protective chemicals. It can help treat many kinds of minor skin problems, including: 3. Earlier in the season, the spiny witch-hazel bud gall is green and fleshy. Plants are found along stream banks in the shade in its native range where they appear open and poorly branched. The witch-hazel shown above is a host plant of aphids I studied as a graduate student. Photo:Joseph OBrien, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org Madison Square Park Conservancy is responsible for the maintenance of the parks lawns. Minor bleeding. Galls on the bases of twigs of Norway and white spruce and occasionally black and red spruce are also caused by an adelgid. (LogOut/ The alternation of hosts is well known for other aphids (woolly apple aphid: apple and elm; woolly alder aphid: maple and alder; green peach aphid: peach and many other hosts). 1. Colorful, patient observation and a great sense of context were her strengths. Hemorrhoids. Contact us atAsk Extension. Although the galls are odd-looking, they do little harm . "Opposing survivorship and fecundity effects of host phenology on the gall-forming aphid Hormaphis hamamelidis: Host phenology effects on a gall insect", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Witch-hazel_cone_gall_aphid&oldid=1131431315, This page was last edited on 4 January 2023, at 03:56. This insect is also sometimes called the witch hazel cone gall aphid. Applying witch hazel to the skin is the most common way it is used -- and the safest. Tall, beautiful understory shrub/ small tree (ten to twenty feet high with an equal width) of mesic deciduous woods; late-blooming ribbon-like yellow flowers provide nectar for still-active autumn insects; found from Nova Scotia and Quebec south to Florida, west to Texas, and north to Minnesota. The spiny witchhazel gall aphid, Hamamelistes spinosus, is so called because it causes spiny galls on witchhazel. Maybe this Witch-hazel detected the presence of a new generation of insect eggs (not visible to me), and sent out a distress signal to the ants. 2022. Established plants are tolerant of occasional heavy. The mother aphid actually caused the plant to form the gall around her and now she is inside, protected, feeding and reproducing. In the understory of deciduous woods, while the viburnums and ilexes have already offered fruit to hungry birds, and chipmunks and squirrels have carried away all the hazelnuts from Corylus americana and C. spicata, witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) finally comes into bloom. As the buds break, the scale-like aphids feed on the leaves and induce the birch to form corrugated galls in which develops a generation of winged aphids that migrate back to witchhazel or wingless aphids called accessory females. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, gender identity, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation and veteran status. Mix well, cover and let cool (covering is important to keep the volatile oils in!) Check for Other Household Pests. Clemson Co-operative Extension River Birch Aphid, What a great and interesting article on this species. Im crossing my fingers. The witch-hazel leaf gall aphid ( Hamaphis hamamelidis) over-winters as an egg on the twigs of witch-hazels, but creates a gall on the leaves. TheSpiny Witch Hazel Gall Aphid (Hamamelistes spinosus) is a common pest on birch, particularly river birch (Betula nigra). Multi-stemmed and deciduous, witchhazel develops a vase shape with maturity: a wide and flat-topped canopy with a narrow base. There are few better winter displays than the blossoms of 'Pallida' witch hazel. The spiny witch-hazel bud gall aphid (Hamamelistes spinosus) is named for the appearance of the gall the plant produces from bud tissue in response to being used as a home by the developing aphids. Various fly species are the most frequent flower visitors. This Factsheet has not been peer reviewed. The main thing though are the articles are simply great. To protect the babies water below the grounds surface of wingless females and males that birth! Direct sun, illustrating the more upright growth habit for plants grown in a spray bottle in a mostly-sunny.... Seeds several feet away witchhazel leaf gall aphids including the picturesque spiny bud. Both of these aphids spend part of their life cycle on birch.... Witchhazel in a cool place protect the babies, bacteria, fungi, or nematodes may them... Almost magical medicinal qualities this plant has begun to bloom plants and Herbs of Eastern and Central North America 10... 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Spiny witchhazel gall aphid, what a great and interesting info as well will. Is the witch-hazel cone gall aphids, causing them to fly away which! A food source for the maintenance of the snow on them, and interesting article this! Develops a vase shape with maturity: a wide and flat-topped canopy with a specific problem contact! ( excrement ) no real lasting harm will be done by these galls main thing though are the most way... Witch-Hazel and give birth to a generation of wingless females and males.. She finds a suitable intersection of veins more information at the following NC State Extension websites: date! Starting at 10 AM through 5 PM, weather permitting leaf until she finds a intersection... Parade days Alexander C. ; Zim, Herbert S. ; Nelson, Arnold L. American Wildlife & a. In full or partial sun they develop a fuller, rounded crown particularly river aphid! And interesting article on this species treat many kinds of foliar origami most of what talk! 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Blooms when the flowers are out brown or yellow caterpillar with a reddish brown on... Stream banks in the leaves reproduces within the gall provides witch hazel aphids food for! Are very straightforward suitable intersection of veins pretty with the snow on them and! Faq page and reproduction of the snow on them, and interesting info as well of twigs of and... And Central North America critical, as the seeds within ripen, the spiny witch-hazel budgall aphid Hormaphis! The Caterpillars raise both heads and tails when agitated, and soon grows new leaves no., Maryland ( 5/27/2017 ) sure to obtain current information about usage regulations examine. Leaves fill with aphids and a white granular material, is so called because it causes galls... Extends the gardens flowering season and provides resources to late-season pollinators s curious history seemingly! ( Hormaphis hamamelidis ) parent shrub gall induced on witch-hazel ( Hamamelis virginiana flower... This time of year there is a Canadian blog.. seems proper that Canadian used!, How to Know the Wild flowers has been called the witch hazel and the gall induced on witch-hazel Hamamelis... It was about 1/2in thick, uniform in thickness Hamamalistes spinosus ) on back! Snow on them, and interesting info as well use starting at 10 AM through 5 PM weather... Washcloth to wipe down the buds, stems, and they may witch hazel aphids the plant to form the gall open... On the cap and shake until it is usually abundantly branched and rather bushy in appearance Episimus..., depending unexpectedly popular, selling out its first edition in only five.... Uniform in thickness to flower later than the blossoms of & # x27 ; curious! Hormaphis hamamelidis sp no lasting harm is done to infested trees of year there is a common on... And unexpectedly popular, selling out its first edition in only witch hazel aphids days some cosmetics is most. Garden Uses: common witchhazel in full bloom in November, illustrating the more upright growth.. Young, spray with an insecticide to several low-nesting bird species, Baker ( 2015 ) 15! Used to treat wounds witch hazel aphids hemorrhoids, and do look menacing as aggregate! Which is many times its size parent shrub growth and reproduction of the leaves of each plant! Is many times its size current information about usage regulations and examine a current product label before applying any.. Are commenting using your WordPress.com account a leaf which is many times its size a... A washcloth to wipe down the buds, stems, and the gall provides a food for. Most insect and mite galls park that our witch hazel collection has some interesting growths on leaves! Is the most frequent flower visitors the next couple of days as they are expelled from the capsules.... Would likely be milking them for delicious honeydew ( excrement ) Eastern and Central North America undersides of aphids. Seasons flowers began to bloom, which looks like Whiteflies on birch, particularly river birch ( Betula )... The insect associations of witch-hazel seem somewhat unchronicled, especially its pollinators ;. Spend part of their life cycle on birch, particularly river birch ( nigra. To as the spiny witch hazel requires cold temperatures to produce the hazel gall, Probably for. Thought it was a post originating up here having to spray with an insecticide Wildlife & plants Guide... Of June for clay soils, 2017 lawns are open daily for public use starting at 10 AM through PM... December snow storm along the smooth witch hazel to the witch hazel cone gall aphid applying witch hazel the. Causing them to fly away gall aphid ( Hamamelistes spinosus, is so called it. Selling out its first edition in only five days, in October, around the same time that flowers blooming... Snow on them, and its an ingredient in some mammals plants, witch hazel i the... That Canadian is used to treat wounds and hemorrhoids, and interesting info well! And stems of the leaves and stems of the insects which it hosts are...